Expert: Russ King - 10/6/2006

Question
I was wondering if I could have some tips on how to get "under" the ball and throw a bigger hook. I throw a decent hook ball right now, but I feel that in order to keep improving I have to learn how to throw a cross lane hook. So it would be greatly appreciated if you could tell me how to get under the ball and throw a bigger hook.

                                       Thanks

Answer
The grip is pinkie in tight to hand(not tucked).Pointing finger spread out as far vas you can without discomfort.Rest the ball in your palm finger tips in the holes lightly pressing with your pads.Your thumb will be straight(not bent at knuckle).Lightly press with your full thumb NOT BENDING TO HOLD ON(DO NOT GRAB!).Keep your thumb pointed up to sky at all times thru holding & follow thru.As you begin the pushaway, push the ball into the line that goes to your mark.Lightly pull the armswing down & back(a free swing will develope later).Keep your arm in tight to your side.Going into your last step,push (grive)into the last step with your kick foot tucking it back & to the left getting it out of the way to make room for the ball.As the ball passes your leg approaching followthru,the weight of the ball will mostly transfer from your palm to your fingers.As you follow thru, push thru & up with your fingertips & you need to do the same with your pointing finger.Lift straight thru with all 3 fingers.Elbow locked as long as you can.Keep your kick foot in contact with floor.If you spot with the dots a few feet past the foul line,move to at least the arrows. This will get you to project the ball down the lane .DO NOT ROTATE YOUR HAND!
YOUR HAND SHOULD BE BEHIND & LIFT STRAIGHT UP & THRU.The last thing you feel is a friction sensation on your fingertips.HOLD YOUR WRIST STEADY(DO NOT BREAK).
A strokers swing is released as he slides. A tween is as he is finishing his slide. A cranker as he has finished his slide at that point he gets max leverage & lift.Your thumb is mostly relaxed & thru follow thru should be pointing up to sky.
NOW when you have practiced this for a few games, to max it to the max you need to do this without thinking!Make it second nature.When you have done it right, you will not have felt the shot at all.1/4 the physical application for 10 times the ball!